No, the travel advice to Turkey remains the same, and the FCO states that the risk to British tourists in Turkey of avian flu is very low. According to the FCO, which consults the World Health Organisation (WHO), Britons planning to visit Turkey should steer clear of live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where there may be domestic or wild birds. It does not advise against eating poultry or eggs but recommends that they are cooked thoroughly.

Is it safe to visit Turkey?

The number of Britons visiting Turkey has steadily increased over the last five years, with over 1.8 million British holidaymakers now heading to the eastern Mediterranean country each year, and this year is likely to be no exception. Sir Peter Westmacott, British Ambassador in Turkey, says that British holidaymakers should not be discouraged from visiting. Likewise Abta, which has received just two phone calls so far from consumers concerned about the country, is asking people not to over-react to reports from Turkey.

Abta spokesman Sean Tipton told Times Online: "At Abta we think the impact on Turkey's tourism industry will be minimal as long as the virus does not mutate to be transmittable from person to person." He added that Abta follows the advice of the WHO, which currently recommends against imposing travel restrictions on countries affected by avian flu.

What if I want to cancel my holiday?

Travel companies that operate to Turkey will tend to follow the advice of either the FCO, Abta or WHO, and will in many cases only issue refunds or a change of holiday at no extra cost if a travel restriction has been imposed to a specific country or region. Tour operators may act compassionately if you have due cause for concern.

Are there any other dangers in Turkey?

The FCO continues to warn of a high threat of terrorism in Turkey. Recent terrorist attacks include a bomb explosion on a bus in Kusadasi, which killed five people including one Briton in July and earlier that month an explosion is Cesme, which injured 20 holidaymakers including one Briton. Since November 2003, other terror attacks have taken place in Istanbul, Antalya and Ankara.

Explore, an adventure travel company that operates holidays in eastern Turkey has been forced to cancel trips on occasion due to political tension involving Kurdish separatists, but these areas are a long way from the main tourist drag. Red 24, a company that issues personal security advice to travellers says Turkey is generally safe for Western visitors, but adds: "We advise visitors to avoid south eastern Turkey due to its proximity to Iraq. Further developments in Iraq and between Kurds and Turks in the region could affect visitors in Turkey, so keep up to date with local news."

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